GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO COMBAT NUCLEAR TERRORISM:

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANTIAGO 000443 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/15/2017 TAGS: KNNP MCAP PARM PINR PINS PREL PTER CI SUBJECT: GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO COMBAT NUCLEAR TERRORISM: CHILE REACTS POSITIVELY REF: STATE 21535 Classified By: Ambassador Craig Kelly for reasons 1.5 (b and d). ¶1. (U) Ambassador Kelly, joined by Yuriy Filatov, his Russian counterpart, delivered reftel demarche on March 16, to Ambassador Luis Winter, Director of the MFA's Office for Special Projects (DIPESP). Also present were Rodrigo Hume of DIPESP, E/POL Counselor, and the Russian embassy's political counselor. ¶2. (SBU) The Ambassador noted that the several partner countries in this important initiative launched by presidents Bush and Putin, were now looking to expand the project to other capable nations. Chile has significant experience in international fora, including on nuclear matters, for example through its membership in the IAEA. We hope Chile might consider participating and be present at the next meeting of the group, scheduled for June 2007, in Astana, Kazakstan. Chile would also be the first member from Latin America, underscoring its regional leadership. ¶3. (C) Winter replied that the initiative seemed to address two issues: terrorism and non-proliferation. It was not focused just on nuclear arms proliferation, but also the possibility of sabotage at nuclear energy plants or facilities, such as research centers or hospitals, which handled radioactive materiel. And its legal framework fell within the parameters not only of UN resolutions 1373 and 1540, but also the 1979 Convention on the Protection of Nuclear Materiels. While Chile had not ratified the latter, it was complying with its strictures. Chile was also working to ratify the UN Convention on Nuclear Terrorism. The Global Initiative appears consistent with Chile's interest on both issues. He would recommend that the MFA's legal department review the proposal for "juridical consistency," but from the policy side he thought it a good idea. Winter added that the joint demarche, as well as its geographically diverse membership, underscored the Initiative's importance. ¶4. (C) Filatov said he was not surprised that Chile would respond positively and asked that once Chile had completed its review, it respond to both the U.S. and Russia, as co-chairs of the Initiative. He hoped Chile could be present in Astana and share its expertise on issues such as airport security. Winter replied that the only problem he foresaw was one of finding adequate personnel and resources. Chile is involved in many security-related initiatives and wants to participate, but only if it can contribute in a meaningful manner. KELLY